The “Fast & Furious” franchise may be nearing its end, but that won’t stop the cast from seeing each other once the series eventually comes to a close.
That’s according to rapper Ludacris, who is reprising his role as Tej Parker for the seventh time in “Fast X” — the 10th and penultimate film in the series, which hits theaters on May 19.
“We truly are family off-screen,” Luda told Insider while promoting his partnership with Rice Krispies Treats for its new limited edition “Treat. Eat. Compete.” game, which promises fun for all the family. “Whether the movies go on or not, we’re gonna continue to stay family.”
“We all love the hell outta each other,” he added.
Luda said he and Vin Diesel, who plays street racer and ex-convict Dominic Toretto in the series, have become especially close during their time working together.
“I see Vin more than everybody else, believe it or not, because his youngest daughter and my 8-year-old are like best friends. They’ve been best friends since forever,” said Luda, referring to his daughter, Cadence.
“They attend each other’s birthday parties. We spent Thanksgivings together, we’ve spent Christmases together. Like, our families are really close,” he added.
As well as Cadence, Luda and his wife share a 21-month-old daughter, Chance. Luda also has daughters Karma, 21, and Cai, 9, from previous previous relationships.
Luda made his first appearance as Tej in 2003’s “2 Fast 2 Furious, for which he also wrote the song, “Act a Fool.”
He did not feature in either 2006’s “Tokyo Drift” or 2009’s “Fast & Furious,” but has been a mainstay in the series since returning for 2011’s “Fast Five.”
The 45-year-old star said he feels grateful to have been able to play such a major part in the franchise.
“I was lucky enough and very blessed to get a call back to come back for five let alone doing six, seven, eight, nine, and now 10,” he said. “I’ve already exceeded my expectations of what I was supposed to do.”
Ludacris on the set of the video for “Act a Fool.” Getty/WireImage
Outside of the world of “Fast & Furious,” Luda is currently working on his long-awaited ninth studio album and is aiming to release the project by next year at the latest, he told Insider.
The “Get Back” rapper’s last album, “Ludaversal,” was released in 2015.
During an appearance on “The Breakfast Club” in 2018, Luda said he chose to take a break from the music industry in order to “feel inspired again.”
Since then, he has released only two singles as a lead artist and appeared on a handful more as a guest.
“If the whole album doesn’t come out this year, it’s definitely coming out next year,” said Luda.
Asked if there was anybody he specifically wanted to work with on the project, he said: “It’s still in the beginning stages, so that’s something I’m going to think about.”
Ludacris has recently partnered with Rice Krispies Treats. Rice Krispies Treats
One album Luda will be hoping his new project can replicate is Dr. Dre’s debut studio album “The Chronic,” which he describes as his favorite album of all time.
“To this day the production still seems to be in a category of its own, in my opinion,” he said.
“The Chronic” was released in 1992 and features a number of hit tracks, including “Nuthin’ But a ‘G’ Thang” and “Let Me Ride” with Snoop Dogg, the latter of which won the 1994 Grammy Award for best solo rap performance.
“I mean, from the sonics, the way everything is mixed, it was so much talent and hunger that came together on that album that birthed so many other stars,” added Luda.
“I know it’s not a compilation, but it’s a great compilation of artists seamlessly working together and becoming one. And you could hear and feel the energy that was in the studio when they were creating it. That’s the best way and that’s why I love it.”
Ludacris recently collaborated with Rice Krispies Treats on a limited edition game kit. Proceeds from the partnership benefit the Boys & Girls Club, a nonprofit organization that provides safe spaces for kids.
